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Puppygram retail-sales case continued to April 18; board orders issuing officers to appear
Summary
The board continued charges alleging Puppygram sold puppies in violation of Louisville Metro ordinance 91.141 and ordered subpoenas for the three officers who issued citations so they can testify at the April 18 hearing.
The enforcement hearing against Puppygram over alleged retail sale of dogs and cats was continued to April 18 after defense counsel raised due-process objections to hearsay testimony and pointed out that the officers who issued the citations were not present to be cross-examined.
Louisville Metro Animal Services officer Kelsey Valance summarized that officers had observed and cited Puppygram on multiple dates (10/03/2014, 10/05/2016 and 10/07/2024) and that each alleged violation carried a $500 penalty. Counsel for Puppygram, Nader Shannara, objected to admitting hearsay from officers who were not on the record. Board counsel and other members discussed precedent allowing hearsay but agreed the seriousness and multiplicity of alleged violations warranted live testimony from the issuing officers.
Hearing officer Aaron Cole ordered the matter continued to the board's April 18 docket and directed staff to issue subpoenas for the three officers identified in the citations (Radcliffe/Ratliff, McMichael and Thompson) so they could testify and be cross-examined. Cole said the continuation was intended to preserve due process and the integrity of the administrative record given the potential for substantial civil penalties.
The board’s action does not resolve the merits of the Puppygram allegations; it is procedural and intended to ensure the issuing officers’ testimony is available for a complete administrative record and potential later appeals.
